First European quantum computer inaugurated in boost to European quantum computing research

The first EuroHPC acquired quantum computer has been inaugurated in Poznan, Poland at the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC).

PIAST-Q is an innovative laser based trapped ion digital quantum computer. Based on quantum mechanics, quantum computers can perform calculations radically faster than classical computers, promising advances in key disciplines such as sensing, medical research and cryptography.

With the performance of twenty physical qubits, PIAST-Q will enable hybrid quantum-classical computing in areas including quantum optimisation, chemistry, materials science, and machine learning. It is couple with the ALTAIR supercomputer which they purchased earlier.

PIAST-Q is the first of eight quantum computers that EuroHPC is in the process of acquiring. It is based on trapped ion technology – one of the six types of quantum computing architectures the family of EuroHPC machines will use. Adopting a range of architectures and technologies will enable European researchers and innovators to be at the forefront of this emerging field in computing.

The procurement contract for PAST-Q was signed less than a year ago and the computer has been delivered and deployed several months ahead of schedule. PIAST-Q cost EUR 12.28 million, with the costs having been shared equally between EuroHPC JU and the Ministry of Digital Affairs of Poland. It was supplied by Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT).

PIAST-Q will be calibrated in the coming months and provide compute services to users by the end of the year.